how to help people surviving on the streets during freezing weather

Rough sleepers feel the effects of poor weather more acutely than others (Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

People sleeping rough are at greater risk than ever as London councils deactivate emergency housing protocols amid an Arctic blast and the looming threat of heavy snow from Storm Goretti.

Many people today woke up to icy pavements and closed schools as temperatures plummeted once again due to the relentless Arctic blast.

Forecasters have warned that conditions will only worsen,as yellow and amber warnings for snow and ice for the rest of this week have been issued.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended an amber cold health alert for all regions in England until 12pm on Sunday,January 11.

This means there is a greater risk to life for vulnerable people,including those who are homeless.

Those living on the streets in the UK’s capital will not automatically be found shelter if temperatures are above 0°C.

This is because the Mayor of London sent out a notice saying the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) will be deactivated.

Subscribing to the Big Issue is another way to support the country’s homeless (Picture: Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Many of these charities may be open to volunteers who have time,rather than money,to spare.

Visit their official websites above for further details on what’s needed.

Another way to help is by subscribing to The Big Issue,a magazine working to end homelessness.

Often,homeless people will work as vendors for the magazine – you can buy issues directly from them,or subscribe online.

This article was originally published on December 4,2023